Lots to talk about today...

First off, I just got a response on my Gotcha! contest entry. I didn't win, of course, but I didn't come in last either. I really appreciated the constructive criticism I received, and 99% of the stuff they told me, I could see myself, finally. Sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees, right? It really helps when they bleed green and yellow highlighter all over your screen too. Needless to say, I was disappointed I didn't do better, but I really appreciated their input. I've been pounding away today, totally re-energized with knew ideas on how to revamp everything. One thing they all agreed on was that the story idea was fresh and interesting, so I'm building on that.

I just came in from outside, and I have to tell you, I am froze. So were the horses. The poor things stand outside all the time to eat and forage, and only go in the barn if they absolutely have to. Or if I trap them in, which they do not appreciate. I didn't even let the chickens out today. I threw food in and refilled their water bowl, and that was it. My egg problems have kind of been solved. I've put boards across the doorway so Murphy can't get in, but now he's nocking the boards away. I've gotten 4 eggs the past two days, and I think I may also be getting duck eggs. We have 1 pr of white Peking ducks that drive us nuts. They make a mess out of everything, and are always quacking, but I would feel guilty if they got eaten. A second pair got eaten this fall by coyotes. During the day, no less! Anyway, the ducks have been acting especially friendly recently, and I've been finding large white waxy shelled eggs on the floor of the coop, where the ducks stay. I cooked one up for my son yesterday, and he could not tell the difference between it and a chicken egg. I guess I'll throw it in the carton with the rest.

Part of the reason I'm froze is because I went around to the neighbors to check on them. I have a widow that lives down the hill from me, an elderly coople across the road, and another older single woman to the south a ways. I scraped the paths to their vehicles and got their mail so they wouldn't have to go out. The first wave of crap went through already, and we've got about 4 inches of snow, with a crust of ice on top. But they say there is a second, worse wave coming. So we're buckling down to wait it out.

Well, the kids just went out to play for a while, so I may go join them. Have a good day all.